Mediating Effect of Entrepreneurial Passion in the Relationship Between Entrepreneurial Orientation and Innovative Work Behavior

This paper aims to analyze the mediating effect of entrepreneurial passion on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and innovative work behavior in employees of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Peru. Design/methodology/approach: A nonexperimental cross-sectional design was used. Data were obtained from a random sample of 300 employees of SMEs in the manufacturing, agricultural and livestock sectors in Peru. Findings: The results showed that entrepreneurial orientation has a direct and positive effect on entrepreneurial passion and innovative work behavior. Also, entrepreneurial passion was found to have a mediating effect on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and innovative work behavior. Originality/value: The research provides evidence-based knowledge of the causal relationships between three important constructs related to entrepreneurship, analyzing their direct and indirect effects on innovative work behavior.